AFGHANISTAN. Pech Valley, Kunar. 2007. Patrol Base California during a sandstorm. A platoon of Americans, and an equal number of
Afghans were stationed here. The two lived separately, the Americans in bunkers, the Afghans
in a sandbagged plywood hut.
The relationship was tense. The Americans usually ignored the Afghans, frustrated by their
reluctance to patrol the surrounding areas. Many of the American soldiers were on their second
or third tour since 2001 and they wanted the Afghans to take more responsibility for military
operations. However, the Afghans were poorly equipped, with antiquated helmets and body
armor and few radios, armored vehicles, night-vision goggles or medical supplies. Since the
Americans were well outfitted, the Afghan commander felt that they should bear the burden
of risk. During my embed there was only one instance when the Afghans patrolled without
significant American support. Accompanied by their Marine advisor Nick Sprovtsoff, they walked
several kilometers down the Pech Valley Road before turning around. Sprovtsoff was exasperated
but relieved. Before the patrol he had taught me to use his radio to call for support in case he
was shot.